Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo can show Newcastle what they are missing tonight

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Newcastle United are going to come up against Cody Gakpo tonight for the first time since the Magpies failed to sign him.

The Dutch forward was linked with a move to St James’ Park during the January transfer window. It was reported by the Chronicle that the Magpies were scouting Gakpo both before and during the World Cup, where he scored three goals for the Netherlands.

The Mirror also reported that Newcastle were serious contenders to sign the 23-year-old.

However, Gakpo signed for Liverpool instead. He was also heavily linked with Manchester United, but secured a shock move to Anfield.

The deal came out of nowhere, with Liverpool paying PSV Eindhoven £37million for the ‘quality player‘. It looked like a great bit of business, although Jurgen Klopp is yet to get the best out of his newest signing.

But it is still early days, and he received a big boost on Monday night when he scored his first Liverpool goal. Now he heads to the North East to take on a team that wanted to sign him last month.

Cody Gakpo set to face Newcastle in a Liverpool shirt

Gakpo should be involved in the Liverpool team that Klopp picks to take on Eddie Howe’s side on Saturday night. That means he will have the opportunity to show Newcastle what they could have won.

When rumours about Gakpo first emerged, it sounded like he would be a wonderful signing. He was flying at the World Cup, and looked like he could be a gamechanger in the final third.

Now Newcastle will hope that isn’t the case at St James’ Park. Otherwise Toon officials might be asking the question why they didn’t push to bring him to the club during the January transfer window.

At an initial £37million, he was affordable for Newcastle. The Magpies signed Anthony Gordon instead, agreeing a £45million deal. He could be in line to make his first Toon start against Liverpool.

But if Gakpo outperforms Gordon, you could argue that Newcastle should have prioritised a move for him over the Everton academy graduate.

Here’s hoping it is our Scouser who comes out on top.